unknightliness
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of not being knightly; lack of the characteristics or behavior expected of a knight, such as chivalry, honor, bravery, or courtesy.
Usage Examples
- (His lack of chivalrous behavior was clear.)
- (The guard’s failure to act honorably.)
- (His discourteous and dishonorable conduct.)
Advanced Usage
"to display unknightliness": to show a lack of knightly virtues.
- The young squire displayed unknightliness by abandoning his post. (He demonstrated dishonorable behavior.)
"an act of unknightliness": a specific deed that goes against knightly ideals.
- Leaving the battlefield early was considered an act of unknightliness. (A cowardly or dishonorable action.)
Variants and Related Words
Knightly (adj): characteristic of a knight; chivalrous, honorable.
- His knightly conduct earned him the queen’s praise. (His chivalrous behavior.)
Knightliness (n): the quality of being knightly.
- The knight’s knightliness was admired by all. (His noble and courteous nature.)
Unknightly (adj): not befitting a knight; dishonorable.
- The unknightly attack on the unarmed man was condemned. (A cowardly act.)
Synonyms
- Dishonor: lack of honor or integrity.
- Cowardice: lack of bravery.
- Discourtesy: rudeness or lack of politeness.
- Churlishness: rude and mean-spirited behavior.
Antonyms
- Chivalry: the medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious code.
- Gallantry: courageous behavior, especially in battle or toward women.
- Honor: high respect; integrity.
Related Idioms
"A knight in shining armor": a person who behaves chivalrously, especially by helping someone in need.
- He was no knight in shining armor; his unknightliness was clear. (He lacked chivalrous qualities.)
"Falling from grace": losing a position of honor or respect.
- His unknightliness led to his falling from grace at court. (His dishonorable actions caused his loss of status.)